![]() ![]() The American red squirrel is similar in size to the Douglas squirrel, and very closely related, but they live in northeastern Oregon and Washington, along with many other places. “Douglas Squirrel” by Linda on the bridge to NewWhere is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 Douglas squirrels prefer pine and fir trees and live mainly on the west side of the Cascade mountain range. They have orangish bellies and little black tufts of fur on the tips of their ears. These squirrels are much smaller than western gray squirrels and have more of a brownish coat. The Douglas squirrel is another native species to Oregon that is also being threatened by invasive species and habitat loss. While habitat loss and illegal hunting add to their declining numbers, the main reason is from the introduction of competing non-native squirrel species, causing disease and competition for shared resources. Sadly, western grays are classified as a state-threatened species in Washington and are considered sensitive/vulnerable in Oregon. In contrast to their dark backs and tails, western gray squirrels have off-white undersides that are distinctive from most other squirrel species in the area. They are dark gray and silvery in color, and are the biggest native squirrel species in Oregon, growing up to two feet-24 inches-in length, including their tails. The western gray squirrel lives mostly in the oak tree forests of western and central Oregon, and are not seen around people very often, but this is partially due to their dwindling population. “Western Gray Squirrel eating Black-headed Grosbeak egg” by K Schneider is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
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